Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Illinois Prison Population Down

Illinois prison data shows that the state's population of inmates has dropped by more than 4,200 since the fiscal year 2014.

Illinois Department of Corrections numbers show that the total prison population in the state was 44,380 as of July 1. That's down from 47, 165 in July and 48, 921 in June 2014. The drop comes as GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner promises to reduce the state's population by 25 percent over the next decade. Rauner created a commission to recommend how to reach that goal.

The downward trend started before the commission of convened. The Illinois Radio Network reports judges and law enforcement have taken up the panel's recommendations.

John Howard Association Executive Director Jennifer Vollen-Katz says it's a "step in the right direction" but prisons are still overcrowded. The group monitors Illinois prisons.

Information provided by the Associated Press

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